Comedy Math Equations My current project is breaking comedy down into mathematical equations. I consider this a public service so that people can map out jokes while writing their scripts or sketches. Please note, I am neither an expert in math or comedy, but in a way that makes me more qualified. Somehow.
Now, there are three easy to remember grades of comedy:
Comedy Gold
Comedy Silver
Comedy Bronze
My initial system is that a comedic piece can have two different grades within its life. A piece can easily garner a Gold rating on the initial hearing of the joke, but if it doesn't age well, it can be bumped down to Silver or Bronze.
A good example would be the 'rapping granny from the wedding singer'. Some would say that it was GOLD the first time you saw it, but I think we would all agree that it's barely silver now, if bronze.
Of course, you can interpret and use this rating system as you see fit. If you have some comedy formulas to add, please use the contact button up top on the left and I will add them and give you full credit.
Here are my notes, some of which are still works in progress:
(Person on (plane) or (bus) or (boat)) + ((realization= (wrong destination) * (wrong destination is ironic))) + (zoom into person's reaction) + (cut away to wide shot of transportation) + (insert person screaming) = Comedy Bronze
(monkey) + (hands on sides of head) * (shakes head exasperatedly) = Comedy Gold